Apologetics: A Justification of Christian Belief

by John Frame

Publisher:

P&R

, 2015

Overview

Renowned theologian John Frame sheds much-needed light on the message and method of genuinely Christian apologetics in this landmark title. He insightfully examines apologetics in terms of proof, defense, and offense and clarifies the relationships of reason, proofs, and evidences to faith, biblical authority, and the lordship of Christ.

Two subjects of particular note are Frame’s fresh look at probability arguments and a stimulating investigation into the problem of evil. Some of the most valuable elements of this book are Frame’s extensive use of Scripture and his presentation of specific lines of argument. There is also a model dialogue in the concluding chapter that shows how these lines of argument work in conversation.

This is an extensively redeveloped and expanded version of Frame’s previous work, Apologetics to the Glory of God.

Contents

• Apologetics: The Basics
• The Message of the Apologist
• Apologetics as Proof: Some Methodological Considerations
• Apologetics as Proof: Transcendental Argument
• Apologetics as Proof: Theistic Arguments
• Apologetics as Proof: Proving the Gospel
• Apologetics as Defense: The Problem of Evil, Part 1—Questions, General Principles, and Blind Alleys
• Apologetics as Defense: The Problem of Evil, Part 2— A Biblical Response
• Apologetics as Offense: Critique of Unbelief
• Talking to a Stranger

Top Highlights

“Without God, there is no meaning (truth, rationality, etc.); therefore, God exists.” (Page 69)

“He may thereby get a solution to the problem of evil, but he loses any sure hope for the overcoming of evil.” (Page 169)

“Moral standards can be obligatory only if their source is a person who deserves absolute obedience and reveals his will to human beings.” (Page 72)

“3. Apologetics as offense: attacking the foolishness of unbelieving thought” (Page 2)

“2. Apologetics as defense: answering the objections of unbelief” (Page 2)

Praise for the Print Edition

John Frame’s Apologetics to the Glory of God brought about a paradigm shift . . . in my understanding not only of apologetics but of all other intellectual endeavors as a Christian. Ever since then, it has been the first book I recommend to those looking for an introduction to Christian apologetics.

—James N. Anderson, Reformed Theological Seminary

John Frame winsomely, patiently, and persuasively contends for the gospel and brings together a rare blend of big-picture thinking, levelheaded reflection, biblical fidelity, love for the gospel and the church, and ability to write with care and clarity.

—John Piper, Bethlehem College and Seminary

John Frame manages to tackle the most difficult problems facing a Christian who endeavors to defend the faith: the nature of evil, world religions, the use of evidences, and much more. And he does so with grace, theological acumen, and an enviable straightforwardness. . . . [An] extraordinarily profitable volume.

—William Edgar, professor of apologetics, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, PA

Product Details

• Title: Apologetics: A Justification of Christian Belief
• Author: John Frame
• Publisher: P&R
• Publication Date: 2015
• Pages: 384
• Christian Group: Reformed
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Topic: Apologetics

About John Frame

John M. Frame (b. 1939) is an American philosopher and a Calvinist theologian especially noted for his work in epistemology, presuppositional apologetics, systematic theology, and ethics. He is one of the foremost interpreters and critics of the thought of Cornelius Van Til. Dr. Frame formerly taught at Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando, and Westminster Theological Seminary.